Brewing matters

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New World Beer & Cider Awards announced

Back in February 15 judges rated 458 beers and ciders from 83 brewers. 235 medals were awarded, a very generous 51% hit rate. The 13 Best-in-class winners are:

Pale Ale – Epic Pale Ale

IPA – Epic Armageddon IPA

European-style Ale – Sparks Brewing Prospector Farmhouse Ale

British-style Ale – Emerson’s Bookbinder

American-style Ale – Garage Project Los Lobos

Lager – Steinlager Pure

Pilsner – Tuatara Bohemian Pilsner

Wheat & Other Grain Beer – Moa Southern Alps White IPA

Stout, Porter & Black Beer – Eagle Brewing Coalface Stout

Experimental, Aged, Fruit & Flavoured Beer – Kereru Imperial Nibs

Lower Alcohol & Session Beer – Peroni Leggera

Apple & Pear Cider – The Hills Cider Company Pear Cider

Fruit & Flavoured Cider – Good George Brewing Doris

“Best-in-class winners include beers that have set a benchmark in quality for nearly a decade such as Epic Pale Ale, Tuatara Bohemian Pilsner and Emerson’s Bookbinder, as well as newcomers like Sparks Brewing Prospector Farmhouse Ale and Eagle Brewing Coalface Stout,” said boss judge Michael Donaldson. “It shows the quality we’ve come to expect from established breweries has not diminished, while the fact relative newcomers are able to reach award-winning standards in such a short time is a reflection of the growing maturity of the industry.”

After three years at 8 Wired, brewer Jason Bathgate has moved to McLeod’s Brewery in Waipu, Northland. Jason, who trained as a chef, also brewed at Renaissance before joining 8 Wired. "My goal is simply to make delicious beer," he said. "I want customers to pick up a pint or bottle with the McLeod's label and know that what's inside is well-made whatever the style." Jason’s first McLeod’s brew, Forty Acres fresh hopped pale ale, will be on tap at Lumsden Freehouse from Saturday as part of the city-wide fresh hop shenanigans.

Vacancy - Brewers Guild executive officer

The craft brewers’ champion, the Brewers Guild, is looking for a new executive officer. An interest in the brewing industry and craft beer would be an advantage. Location in Wellington is most convenient but not imperative. All the details here.